Description
Leaf Hound – Growers Of Mushroom – Vinyl Record
Leaf Hound’s Growers of Mushroom (1971) is a seminal album in the history of hard rock and proto-metal, often cited as one of the pioneering records of the stoner rock genre. Hailing from England, Leaf Hound was formed in 1969, and Growers of Mushroom was their debut (and only album) before the band initially disbanded shortly after its release. Despite its initial commercial obscurity, the album has since gained a cult following, particularly among fans of heavy rock and psychedelic music.
With a sound heavily influenced by bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, Leaf Hound’s Growers of Mushroom features heavy guitar riffs, bluesy vocals, and a raw, unpolished energy that would later influence the development of stoner rock and doom metal. The album is often praised for its gritty, riff-heavy style, psychedelic overtones, and the powerful vocals of Peter French.
Growers of Mushroom is firmly rooted in the hard rock sound of the early 1970s, with powerful, distorted guitar riffs and driving rhythms. The heavy, blues-based sound of Leaf Hound draws clear influence from bands like Cream and Free, but their rawer, more aggressive approach foreshadows the heavier sounds of proto-metal and the later stoner rock movement.
Alongside the hard rock foundation, the album incorporates elements of psychedelic rock, with hazy, swirling guitar effects and expansive jams. The combination of heavy riffs with a trippy, freewheeling vibe gives the album a unique place in the transition between late 60s psych rock and the harder-edged rock of the 70s.
Peter French’s gritty, blues-infused vocals are a key element of the album. His powerful delivery adds a sense of urgency and emotion to the songs, grounding the heavy instrumentation with a soulful edge.
Key Tracks
“Freelance Fiend”: The album opens with this high-energy track, which immediately sets the tone with its heavy, driving riff and French’s bluesy, wailing vocals. The song’s raw power and aggressive sound make it one of the standout tracks on the album, and a defining example of early 70s hard rock.
“Sad Road to the Sea”: One of the more atmospheric tracks on the album, “Sad Road to the Sea” begins with a slow, brooding intro before building into a heavier, psychedelic jam. The song features swirling guitar effects and a hypnotic, droning rhythm, creating a trippy, otherworldly vibe that showcases the band’s psychedelic influences.
“Drowned My Life in Fear”: This track features a bluesy, swaggering riff and intense vocal delivery from French. The song’s gritty, raw energy and heavy, blues-based guitar work are reminiscent of bands like Led Zeppelin and Humble Pie, but with a darker, more intense edge.
“Stray”: Another standout track, “Stray” features one of the album’s catchiest riffs and highlights the band’s ability to blend heavy rock with melodic elements. French’s vocals soar over the chugging guitar riff, and the song’s dynamic shifts between quiet, reflective moments and full-blown rock make it a compelling listen.
“Growers of Mushroom”: The title track is a psychedelic, blues-infused jam that captures the experimental side of Leaf Hound’s sound. With its swirling guitar effects and loose, improvisational feel, the song reflects the band’s connection to the psychedelic rock of the late 1960s, while maintaining the heaviness that defines the rest of the album.
The album’s lyrics often deal with themes of alienation, personal struggle, and rebellion. Tracks like “Drowned My Life in Fear” and “Freelance Fiend” reflect feelings of frustration and defiance, common themes in both hard rock and proto-metal.
Many of the songs incorporate the kind of mystical and surreal imagery that was popular in the late 60s psychedelic scene. The title track, “Growers of Mushroom,” for example, alludes to a trippy, hallucinogenic experience, while “Sad Road to the Sea” conjures a sense of existential journey and reflection.
The blues roots of the band are evident in the lyrics, which often tell personal, emotional stories of loss, hardship, and survival. French’s delivery adds a sense of emotional weight to the more personal, introspective lyrics.
French’s powerful, bluesy vocals are one of the defining features of Growers of Mushroom. His ability to convey both raw emotion and swaggering confidence makes him a standout vocalist in the early 70s hard rock scene. His delivery is gritty and soulful, adding a sense of urgency to the music.
Guitarist Mick Halls delivers some of the album’s most memorable moments with his heavy, blues-based riffs and scorching solos. His playing is both aggressive and melodic, combining the raw power of early metal with the fluid, improvisational style of psychedelic rock. Halls’ guitar work is essential to the album’s sound, providing the backbone of tracks like “Freelance Fiend” and “Stray.”
The rhythm section, featuring Stuart Brooks on bass and Keith George Young on drums, provides a solid, driving foundation for the album. Their tight, energetic playing complements the heavy guitar work, with the bass often playing a more prominent melodic role, especially in the slower, more psychedelic tracks.
Although Growers of Mushroom was not widely recognized at the time of its release, it has since become a cult classic among fans of hard rock, proto-metal, and stoner rock. The album’s rarity and its early influence on the development of heavier, more riff-oriented rock have made it a highly sought-after record among collectors and enthusiasts of the genre.
Growers of Mushroom is considered a significant influence on the stoner rock genre that emerged in the 1990s, with bands like Kyuss, Sleep, and Fu Manchu drawing inspiration from its heavy, riff-driven sound and psychedelic overtones. The album’s combination of hard-hitting riffs, bluesy vocals, and trippy, psychedelic elements laid the groundwork for the stoner rock movement.
In the decades since its release, Growers of Mushroom has gained renewed attention through reissues and greater exposure to modern rock audiences. The album is now recognized as an important piece of early 70s hard rock history, and Leaf Hound has since reformed for live performances, further cementing their legacy.
Growers of Mushroom by Leaf Hound is a hidden gem in the world of early 1970s hard rock and proto-metal. With its heavy guitar riffs, blues-infused vocals, and psychedelic overtones, the album foreshadows the development of stoner rock and doom metal while standing as a testament to the raw, unfiltered power of 70s rock. Tracks like “Freelance Fiend” and “Sad Road to the Sea” exemplify the band’s ability to blend aggressive, riff-driven rock with bluesy, melodic elements. Although overlooked at the time of its release, Growers of Mushroom has since achieved cult classic status and remains an essential listen for fans of heavy, guitar-driven rock.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Freelance Fiend
Sad Road To The Sea
Drowned My Life In Fear
Work My Body
Stray
With A Minute To Go
Growers Of Mushroom
Stagnant Pool
Sawdust Caesar